POLICE are battling a crowd of hundreds of protesters outside a mosque in Southport, close to the site of the horrific stabbing.
Large crowds were seen clashing with officers as police vans were set on fire in Merseyside after three children were killed in a violent knife attack yesterday.
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Shocking footage from the scene showed bottles and bricks being thrown at police vans as other projectiles flew through the air.
Merseyside Police said the English Defense League is believed to be behind the violent protests.
Speculation about the identity of the alleged attacker circulated online, fueling tension that already existed following Monday’s horrific attack.
Despite claims on social media, the suspect was born in Cardiff.
Riot police wearing helmets and carrying large shields huddled together as chaos outside the mosque in Southport continues.
More than one police vehicle was set on fire, with thick smoke billowing into the mild air.
It comes as tensions rise in the city following yesterday’s stabbing attack, where three children were killed while attending a Taylor Swift-themed yoga and dance workshop in Southport at lunchtime on Monday.
Protesters in the crowd can be heard shouting, as police sirens wail and a helicopter flies overhead.
Some of the idiots even climbed to the top of a building and threw rocks at the police.
Bottles and trash cans were also thrown at officers responding to the incident.
Riot police and dog units were deployed to control the crowd after officers suffered injuries, including one with a suspected broken nose.
The force has already cleared the area in front of the mosque and is standing guard with batons raised.
The violence appears to be linked to several false accusations spread online.
Deputy Chief Constable Alex Goss says: “There has been a lot of speculation and hypotheses surrounding the situation of a 17-year-old man who is currently in police custody, and some individuals are using this to bring violence and disorder to our streets.
“We have already said that the person detained was born in the United Kingdom and speculation does not help anyone at this time.
“It is sickening to see this happen in a community that has been devastated by the tragic loss of three young lives.”
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It comes after hundreds of people gathered in solidarity outside the Aktinson art gallery in Merseyside to pay their respects earlier this evening at a separate peaceful vigil.
Some lit candles while others laid flowers and reflected on yesterday’s tragedy.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said it was “appalling” that Southport police officers faced attacks from “thugs on the streets who have no respect for a grieving community”.
She called tonight’s violence a “total disgrace.”
The Southport MP says he is “deeply concerned” about the violent protests that took place this evening and appealed to people to “stay safe”.
In a statement on
“It is distressing to see people from outside our Southport community attacking our police and local people,” he adds.
“I would appeal to local people to avoid the area and remain safe, to allow the police to do their work. I want to thank our community for coming together and supporting everyone who was affected by Monday’s tragic attack.”
He also thanks those who attended a vigil earlier this evening to remember the three children – Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Dasilva Aguiar – who were killed in the attack, and the other 10 people who were injured.
“I was deeply saddened to hear the news today of the death of a third child. Bebe, Elsie and Alice are in all our thoughts and hearts today,” she adds.
Meanwhile, a man “wearing a balaclava” and carrying a knife was arrested in Southport this evening – just yards from tonight’s vigil.
Merseyside Police confirmed they arrested a 32-year-old man on suspicion of possession of a bladed article – while the force’s Detective Inspector sentenced the knife crime after the “quick arrest”.
“A report was received at 6.50pm that a man had been seen with a knife on Eastbank Street. Officers attended and a man was detained at around 6.55pm, and a knife was recovered. There are no reports that anyone was injured during the incident.
“A 32-year-old man from Standish was arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article and taken into custody.”
It turns out like Bebe and Elsie, aged between six and seven, they were identified as the first victims of the attack shortly before noon.
Heartbroken friends and family paid tribute to Alice, saying she was killed by a “despicable human being”.
A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, remains in custody charged with murder and attempted murder following the incident at the dance studio in Hart Street.
Merseyside Police said the motive was not yet clear, but it was not suspected to be linked to terrorism.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
